Wellbeing

Supporting our students and families

Illawarra Christian School is committed to the provision of a safe, secure and well-managed learning environment where every student is known and cared for.
Meet the Team

Our Multi-Disciplinary Team

Illawarra Christian School employs a team of allied health professionals who provide a range of direct and indirect services to the school community.

The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) at Illawarra Christian School aims to bring high levels of evidence-based support to students. We strive to work together in a responsive and dynamic way to respond to the needs of our school community.

This can include offering group programs to students, upskilling teachers, and completing assessments for clarity around student needs.

We also work closely with the school learning support team and teaching staff to create a holistic support service for students.

School Psychologist & MDT Leader

Ms Rebecca McIntosh

BA, DipPsych, MEdDevPsych

Rebecca completed her BA with a double major in Psychology and Education at Sydney University. After doing some general administration work in the corporate sector, she pursued postgraduate studies at Western Sydney University, first completing a post-graduate Diploma in Psychology and then a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology. She has over 17 years' experience working as a psychologist, first in the disabilities sector, then in paediatric private practice, and finally within the education sector. 

Rebecca has a passion for working alongside families and educators to help children learn and achieve to their potential. She has a particular interest in the psychological components of teaching and learning and can offer diagnostic and intervention services to assist students with cognitive, learning or attentional difficulties. Rebecca also enjoys the counselling component of psychology, and considers it a privilege to be able to work collaboratively with her students to support their mental health. When she isn’t at work, Rebecca manages her own wellbeing by keeping active at the gym, frequenting the beach in summer, and attending as many live music gigs, record fairs, and markets as she can.

School Counsellor

Mrs Jill English

BA (Psych), BSW

Following her completion of tertiary studies (at Wollongong University and the University of Western Sydney), Jill spent 12 years working with youth with challenging and complex anti-social behaviours in varied environments; including community, specialist court diversionary program and custodial settings. Further to this Jill has worked in mental health community settings before moving to ICS at the beginning of 2024.

With a compassionate and strengths-based approach, Jill is dedicated to fostering resilience and wellbeing in individuals facing life's challenges. She draws on both psychological and social work practices to tailor a multi-dimensional intervention utilising each individual's biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Jill provides compassionate support, fostering resilience, and empowering clients to embrace their strengths as they navigate life's challenges. Jill enjoys working in a relaxed and informal context with students, often characterised by humour and everyday language to connect with students in a non-threatening way and break down barriers, thereby facilitating authentic rapport and relationship.

Jill is excited to be working with dedicated staff and families at ICS in order to provide students with an inclusive and loving education.

Occupational Therapist

Mrs Elyssa Smith

BA (Exercise Science), MOT

Elyssa gained her Masters of Occupational Therapy from Sydney University in 2017, and before joining the team at ICS previously worked in a paediatric private practice. She has experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Down Syndrome, Complex Trauma, Global Development Delay and general physical, cognitive and socio-emotional difficulties that impact daily activities.

Elyssa is passionate about the unique perspective that occupational therapy provides, which considers each child’s unique physical, sensory, social and emotional differences, as well as their environment and life experiences. She has a particular interest in sensory processing challenges and interventions. Elyssa enjoys supporting children to achieve their goals and build confidence in their abilities through a collaborative and fun approach. You might even find her jumping, swinging and climbing in the sensory gym!

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